Curtin Malaysia students gain industry-ready skills through welding awareness programme

Miri, Sarawak – 9 October 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia’s Mechanical Engineering students recently participated in an intensive welding training session at AMW Technology Sdn Bhd, one of Malaysia’s leading welding solutions providers.

This hands-on experience, delivered by AMW’s Executive Director, Ir. Dr. Edwin Jong, gave students a real-world introduction to advanced welding techniques and critical safety protocols, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.

The training highlighted state-of-the-art welding technologies, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, and gas metal arc welding (GMAW or MIG/MAG). Ir. Dr. Jong, a respected industry expert with years of experience, stressed the importance of precision and safety in modern welding, underscoring how vital these skills are to success in the engineering field.

“It’s crucial for the next generation of engineers to combine academic knowledge with practical experience. This gives them an invaluable edge as they step into the competitive engineering industry,” said Ir. Dr. Jong, whose guidance throughout the session left a lasting impression on the students.

The welding programme is part of an ongoing collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and AMW Technology, designed to prepare students for the realities of the engineering industry by providing them with practical, hands-on training alongside their academic studies. The partnership exemplifies Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to equipping its students with industry-relevant skills, enhancing their employability and confidence.

Ir. Ts. Abdul Hamid Bin Abdullah, Programme Coordinator for Mechanical Engineering at Curtin Malaysia, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “Collaborating with industry leaders like AMW Technology allows our students to gain practical insights that textbooks simply can’t provide. Under Ir. Dr. Jong’s mentorship, our students are better prepared to tackle real-world challenges.”

For the students, the training was a pivotal moment in their educational journey. Eldon Shi Hao Yung, one of the students, said, “This experience has been truly eye-opening. Learning from Ir. Dr. Jong not only deepened my understanding of welding technologies but also gave me practical insights into how our classroom knowledge applies in the field.”

Associate Professor Dr. Mohan Moola Reddy, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, further echoed this sentiment. “Experiential learning is a cornerstone of our curriculum at Curtin Malaysia. By immersing students in real-world settings, we ensure they are job-ready and equipped with the skills that the industry demands,” he said.

Senior academic Professor Dr. Sujan Debnath applauded the collaboration, stating, “Our focus at Curtin Malaysia is on producing well-rounded engineers who are technically proficient, innovative, and prepared to solve complex problems. Collaborations with companies like AMW Technology play a crucial role in shaping our students into industry-ready professionals.”

AMW Technology’s top-tier facilities allowed the students to engage with cutting-edge equipment and technology, ensuring their training was both comprehensive and reflective of the latest industry practices. This initiative aligns with Curtin Malaysia’s broader goals of providing its students with a competitive edge by exposing them to industry-leading standards and methodologies.

Looking ahead, both Curtin Malaysia and AMW Technology plan to expand their collaboration, with future training programmes set to deepen students’ technical competencies and further strengthen their ties to the engineering industry.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Curtin Malaysia students with Ir. Dr. Edwin Jong (in pink) and the AMW Technology team after completing the welding training session

Ir. Dr. Edwin Jong delivering an in-depth briefing to the students during the training, focusing on welding techniques and safety protocols